Submitted photo Canfield police officer Chad Debarr and his partner Rocky, who died Tuesday, about a month after retiring from the department. Rocky served for about seven years.

CANFIELD — On Nov. 12, police officer canine Rocky will be remembered during a special ceremony at Fair Park.

Rocky died Tuesday after serving the city and its residents for seven years.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Don Dragish issued a proclamation declaring the day as “Canfield Police K9 Rocky Day.” He said Rocky was a dual purpose dog, being trained in both tracking and narcotics detection.

“During his career, he made several criminal arrests, and many narcotics confiscations and recovery of evidence,” Dragish said. “We want to express our deep appreciation for all Rocky has done.”

The proclamation was presented to Rocky’s handler and partner, officer Chad DeBarr. It was a tough moment for Debarr as he remembered his partner and family member.

“I actually spent more time with Rocky than I did the rest of my family,” Debarr said.

He said Rocky spent his home time at his side and was quick to join his partner as they headed off to work.

“The other day was tough,” Debarr said. “Rocky was always waiting at the bottom of the stairs when we went to work each day. The other day was the first time he was not there waiting for me.”

Police Chief Chuck Colucci said when Rocky recently became ill, he was taken to Akron for veterinarian care. He said on the way home, Rocky was given a police escort by the Ohio State Highway Patrol with lights and sirens. The escort was from Akron all the way to Rocky’s home.

“He was supposed to be here tonight,” Colucci said at the council meeting. “Unfortunately, he didn’t make it.”

He died Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

The Nov. 12 ceremony at Fair Park will begin at 11 a.m. and will include the planting of a white dogwood tree in a grove set aside to honor police dogs. Residents are welcome to attend the ceremony.

Colucci added that police canine units and cruisers will be part of a procession that will begin at the Canfield Fairgrounds, head north on Fairground Boulevard, then west on U.S. 224 to South Broad Street (state Route 46). From Broad Street, the procession will proceed to Fair Street and into Fair Park for the ceremony. There may be traffic delays along the route.